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PROPOSED ITINERARY

BROWN AND KEENE – SOUTH ISLAND

FEBRUARY/SEPTEMBER

DAY 1:  ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport you will be met by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your New Zealand documentation and assist with the uplift of your rental vehicle.

Uplift your full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction.

Christchurch – ‘Garden City of New Zealand’. Historic architecture, art galleries, parks, landscaped gardens and the River Avon meandering through the city centre creates a tranquil and charming atmosphere, reminiscent of the cities English heritage.

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• International Antarctic Centre

• Travel the city centre aboard the historic tram

• Stroll through Hagley Park

• Punt ride on the Avon River

• Historic Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens

• Christchurch Art Gallery and The Arts Centre

• Canterbury Museum and adjacent Botanical Gardens

ACCOMMODATION FOR ONE NIGHT IN A DOUBLE/TWIN EXECUTIVE ROOM ON A ROOM ONLY BASIS AT:

THE GEORGE HOTEL

CHRISTCHURCH

DAY 2:  CHRISTCHURCH TO BLENHEIM

Drive north to Blenheim via kaikoura and the scenic East Coast (approximately 5 hours drive). At Kaikoura we suggest a WhaleWatch excursion by sea or air (cost not included).

Blenheim – heart of the wine region.  Vineyards embrace Marlborough’s central town of Blenheim with rows of changing colours through the seasons.  A reflection of the focus on the outdoors, leisure and lifestyle – a place to indulge.

OPTION ONE

ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE INCLUDING PRE-DINNER DRINKS, DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:

TIMARA LODGE

BLENHEIM

(Number 57 in the Southern Crossings New Zealand collection)

 

OPTION TWO

ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

OLD ST MARY'S CONVENT

BLENHEIM

DAY 3:  BLENHEIM

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Local vineyards such as Cloudy Bay, Hunters Wines, Daniel le Brun, Seresin and Allan Scott Wines

• Queen Charlotte Walkway

• Cruise the Marlborough Sounds

• High Country horse trek

• Boutique breweries and gourmet foods

DAY 4:  BLENHEIM TO NELSON

Today drive to Nelson (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive to Paratiho or 2 hours 15 minutes drive to Bronte).

Nelson – city of sunshine. A haven for artisans seeking a lifestyle amid a landscape of mountains, valleys, unspoilt shores and National Parks. The idyllic climate has enabled a winery and orchard trail to extend into by-roads and valleys throughout the region.

OPTION ONE

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE INCLUDING ALL MEALS AND BEVERAGES AT:

THE LODGE AT PARATIHO FARMS

MOTUEKA

NELSON

 

OPTION TWO

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN VILLA INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

BRONTE LODGE

NELSON

DAY 5:  NELSON TO ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK AND RETURN

This morning drive to Kaiteriteri Beach (approximately 45 minutes drive from Paratiho or 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Bronte).

Depart Kaiteriteri for a private day cruise within the Abel Tasman National Park which will be tailored to suit your interests and requirements. You will be able to enjoy one of New Zealand’s loveliest stretches of coastline where you will be taken close to the shore enabling you spectacular views of the many sandy coves and highlights. Depending on the duration of your cruise and weather conditions these may include - Split Apple Rock, historic Watering Cover, Shag Harbour, Wharf Rock, Cottage Loaf and the rugged beauty of the Awaroa Heads. You will be able to leave and return to the boat to enjoy shorts walks within the Abel Tasman National Park. Lunch has been included today.

Return to Kaiteriteri Beach early afternoon and continue to your accommodation in your rental vehicle.

DAY 6:  NELSON

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• ‘World of Wearable Art’ Museum and adjacent ‘Collectable Car’ display

• Local art and craft galleries including Hogland Art Glass

• Skydiving and hang-gliding

• Orchards and Vineyards

• Takaka and Cape Farewell Spit 4WD safari tours

• Nelson Lakes National Park

• Rock climbing and quad biking at Golden Bay and Takaka Limestone Cliffs

 DAY 7:  NELSON TO QUEENSTOWN

This morning drive to Nelson Airport (approximately 45 minutes drive from Paratiho or 15 minutes drive from Bronte) and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight.

 Fly Nelson to Queenstown (cost not included).

 Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport uplift your full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction.

Queenstown - ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, amidst the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, the scenery provides a perfect backdrop for endless activities and an idyllic haven in which to relax.

OPTION ONE

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

EICHARDT'S PRIVATE HOTEL

QUEENSTOWN

 

OPTION TWO

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN VILLA SUITE INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

MILLBROOK RESORT

ARROWTOWN

QUEENSTOWN

DAY 8:  QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND AND RETURN

Today visit majestic Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular areas, by return scenic flight - view hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits, all of which are hidden from the road.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound you will board a specially designed vessel to undertake a breathtaking cruise on the fiord to the Tasman Sea. Sheer rock walls, waterfalls and the mile high monolith of Mitre Peak are the backdrop as you enjoy a lobster lunch which has been included today.

Return to Queenstown at approximately 1.40pm (scenic flights are weather dependent).

DAY 9:  QUEENSTOWN

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River

• Jetboat excursion or Fun Yak trip on the scenic Dart River

• Horse riding through rolling alpine countryside

• Gondola Ride to Bob’s Peak

• Steamer cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak

• Visit local vineyards such as Chard Farm, Peregrine Wines, Lake Hayes and Gibbston Vineyards

• Visit the historic and picturesque Gold Mining Settlement of Arrowtown

• Golf at Millbrook Resort or Kelvin Heights

• Day hike to nearby Routeburn National Park

• Hot air ballooning

• Visit the sites and surreal landscape where the ‘Lord of the Rings’ was filmed

• For the more adventurous - bungy jumping, sky diving, parapenting, heli-surfing, river surfing, rock climbing, white water rafting, fly by wire adventure ride

DAY 10:  QUEENSTOWN TO MOUNT COOK

Today drive via the scenic MacKenzie Country and Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook (approximately 3 hours drive).

Mount Cook – known in Maori as Aoraki, is the highest peak in Australasia. The National Park and World Heritage Site is one of the country’s most spectacular, with more than one third of the Park in permanent snow and glacial ice.

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Aerial sightseeing by ski-plane or helicopter over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps

• Walks and horse treks through the Mount Cook National Park

• Tasman Glacier boat or kayaking excursions

• Mount Cook National Park 4WD tours

ACCOMMODATION FOR ONE NIGHT IN A DOUBLE/TWIN AORAKI WING ROOM INCLUDING DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:

THE HERMITAGE HOTEL

MOUNT COOK

DAY 11:  MOUNT COOK TO CHRISTCHURCH AND DEPARTURE

Today drive to Christchurch (approximately 4 hours drive). Enroute we suggest a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd  - overlooking Lake Tekapo with magnificent mountain views.

Continue to Christchurch International Airport and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight.

Depart Christchurch.

ARRANGEMENTS CONCLUDE

Pricing can fluctuate due to exchange rates at time of booking

 OPTION ONE

The approximate cost per person is US $7500 (total  cost for two US $15,000) and includes:

• Meet and greet upon arrival

• Full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• Private day cruise in Abel Tasman National Park including lunch

• Milford Sound excursion including return scenic flight, fiord cruise and lobster lunch

• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 12.5%

OPTION TWO

The approximate cost per person is US $3325 (total cost for two US $6650)and includes:

• Meet and greet upon arrival

• Full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• Private day cruise in Abel Tasman National Park including lunch

• Milford Sound excursion including return scenic flight, fiord cruise and lobster lunch

• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 12.5%